Bill Text: IL HR0420 | 2023-2024 | 103rd General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Mourns the death of Edward Louis "Ed" Wilson.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-10-24 - Resolution Adopted [HR0420 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2023-HR0420-Introduced.html

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HOUSE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of
Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Edward
Louis "Ed" Wilson, who passed away on September 4, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Ed Wilson was born in Hammond, Louisiana to
Hattie Barney and Connie Wilson on January 30, 1916; his
family migrated to Chicago during the 1920s; he graduated from
Tilden Technical High School in Chicago and then spent five
years working to support the family and to save for college; he
worked as a Pullman Porter during that period; he graduated
from West Virginia State College with a degree in electrical
engineering in 1942, where he became a member of Alpha Phi
Alpha Fraternity in 1941 and was their oldest living member;
he married Odessa on August 20, 1942; and
WHEREAS, Ed Wilson was recruited to join the Tuskegee
Airmen while at West Virginia State College but instead chose
to serve in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, the predecessor of the
Air Force, in San Bernardino, California; and
WHEREAS, Ed Wilson was an early Black entrepreneur; he
formed a business in the 1950s that developed and tested
oscilloscopes for the military, becoming one of the first
Black government contractors; he closed that business and

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later formed a partnership with some friends known as the
Practical Trades Institute, which specialized in training
electricians, TV repairmen, and others in a variety of
trades/crafts; and
WHEREAS, Ed Wilson decided to find more steady work with
engineering firms and soon earned a reputation as a top-notch
quality assurance specialist, which carried through his
career; at one firm he was chosen to be part of the team at
NASA that designed, tested, and equipped space suits for
astronauts; at another firm, he was frequently commended for
outstanding quality testing and innovation of automotive and
industrial supply equipment; during this time, he also was
asked to work alongside the federal administration on the Task
Force for Youth Motivation created under President Lyndon B.
Johnson; and
WHEREAS, Ed Wilson and Odessa Wilson were one of the
founding families of Kelly United Methodist Church, which
recently celebrated its 70th Anniversary; he was recognized
with their Lifetime Achievement and Service Award and served
as the church treasurer for many years; and
WHEREAS, Ed Wilson was the first Black Eagle Scout in the
Chicago area and an avid golf fan, which he continued to play
into his late 80s; he was affectionately known as "PaPoo",

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bestowed upon him by his grandson, Brian; and
WHEREAS, Ed Wilson was preceded in death by his wife of
nearly 73 years, Odessa "MaMa", and his siblings, Vivian
Harris, Bernice Haywood, and Donald Carroway; and
WHEREAS, Ed Wilson is survived by his children, Robert,
Bruce (Cathy), and Paula (Bill); his grandchildren, Warren
Wilson, Ester Wilson, Marcus (Pam) Wilson, Bridget (James)
Cravens-Neely, Brian Wilson, Steven (Jessica) Wilson, Tiffany
(Josh) Bulliner Johnson, Willis Jack Bulliner III, and Dana
(Desmond) Bulliner Ervin; 18 great-grandchildren; four
great-great-grandchildren; and numerous extended family and
friends; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
we mourn the passing of Edward Louis "Ed" Wilson and extend our
sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew
and loved him; and be it further